Armed Police Arrest Hitman Grant Hunter for Murder of Marc Webley

Armed police arrested hitman Grant Hunter, 34, and his former partner Emma McVie, 27, in connection with the murder of gangster Marc Webley in Edinburgh. The couple was taken into custody on January 5, 2024, just days after Webley was shot outside the Anchor Inn in Granton on New Year’s Eve. The incident, which took place shortly before midnight on December 31, resulted in Webley succumbing to his injuries at the hospital on January 1.

Dramatic footage captured the moment police detained Hunter and McVie at an apartment block on Gorgie Road. The video, filmed through a door’s peephole, shows officers leading Hunter down a hallway with his hands cuffed behind his back, while McVie follows closely behind.

On November 13, Hunter pleaded guilty to the murder of Webley, who was 38 years old at the time of his death. His plea came as he was scheduled to face trial at Edinburgh’s High Court. Hunter also admitted to attempting to murder Stewart Pearson during the same incident. The charges against him highlighted that Webley’s murder was “aggravated by a connection with serious organised crime.”

Court Proceedings and Evidence

Hunter, McVie, and a third defendant, Gary Robertson, 22, appeared in court where they all admitted to attempting to pervert the course of justice. The three defendants will receive their sentences at Glasgow’s High Court on December 17, 2025.

During the court hearing, relatives of Webley watched as CCTV footage showed him fleeing from his assailant before being shot from behind. In an unsettling revelation, it was reported that Hunter had mockingly stated that Webley did not survive to see the “Bells,” referring to the New Year celebration.

Judge Lord Mulholland reviewed footage of Hunter parking a stolen Hyundai Tucson outside the pub where the shooting occurred. The video captured the red Hyundai arriving next to Webley just before the gunfire erupted. Hunter exited the vehicle wearing a balaclava to ensure Webley could identify him as his attacker, then sped off towards Leith after the shooting.

Background on Marc Webley

Leading up to his death, Webley had posted videos challenging rivals to confront him at the pub, unbothered by a previous assassination attempt where a vehicle nearly ran him down. Friends indicated that Webley was aware of threats against his life, reportedly revealing that a £20,000 bounty had been placed on him.

A source familiar with the situation stated, “The guy had loads of enemies from Edinburgh and Glasgow. One of them wanted him dead and offered £20,000 to do the job.” This source noted that Webley had been forewarned of the dangers he faced but appeared indifferent, suggesting he had accepted the possibility that his life could end violently.

Webley had a troubled history, including a 2022 acquittal for attempted murder and a conviction in 2006 for a gang-related shooting, which resulted in an 11-year prison sentence. He was also scheduled to face trial for other legal troubles, including assault and motoring violations.

As the investigation continues, the community remains shaken by the violent incident and the subsequent arrests, highlighting the serious implications of organized crime in the region.